The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall notice for several lots of six popular skincare products due to concerns over benzene contamination. The recall affects products with expiration dates ranging from April 2025 to March 2026. Among the products recalled are Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment. Recent testing revealed minimal traces of benzene in one lot of La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment, prompting the recall.
Benzene is a chemical widely used in the U.S. to manufacture detergents, dyes, and drugs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term exposure to high levels of benzene can cause leukemia or cancer of the blood-forming organs. However, the FDA has stated that the skin care products being voluntarily recalled carry a "very low" risk of causing cancer. Consumers who may have purchased the recalled products are not being instructed to take any action at this time.
La Roche-Posay has emphasized its commitment to product safety and has decided to remove the impacted units of its Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment from retailers. A spokesperson from La Roche-Posay stated, "Although these trace levels do not pose a safety risk, we are committed to upholding the highest quality standards." The company is coordinating closely with the FDA to ensure a smooth transition to their new Effaclar Duo formula, which has been in development since 2024.
"At La Roche-Posay, product safety is our highest priority," said a spokesperson from La Roche-Posay.
"Therefore, in close coordination with the FDA, we have proactively decided to remove the limited remaining units of the current formula of Effaclar Duo from retailers. This decision also enables a seamless transition to our new and improved Effaclar Duo formula, which has been in development since 2024 and will be available to consumers soon." – La Roche-Posay spokesperson
Alchemee LLC, the maker of Proactiv products, is also complying with the recall and is offering customers a refund or replacement for the affected items. The full list of recalled products and lot numbers can be accessed through official channels for those concerned about their purchases.
Walgreens has confirmed its involvement in the voluntary recall, citing customer safety as a primary concern. A spokesperson for Walgreens explained that suppliers, working alongside the FDA, initiated the recalls out of an abundance of caution.
"Our suppliers, working in conjunction with the FDA, initiated two voluntary recalls, impacting a limited number of units. This was done out of an abundance of caution and the safety of our customers remains our top priority.” – Walgreens spokesperson
